A delegation of nine students and the centre directors from the Centre of North-East Asian Studies visited the Embassy of South Korea in New Delhi on September 13, 2023. The group arrived at the embassy at noon and met with Mr. Jeon Chan-Ho, Second Secretary (Political).

The interactive session was filled with a plethora of questions posed by the centre directors and the students, with questions covering Indo-Korean relations, the rising popularity of Korean Content in India, South Korea’s Security strategy in the Indo-Pacific, and its complex relationship with its neighbouring counterparts. An appetizing lunch was offered in the embassy with a fusion of Korean and Western delicacies which was enjoyed by all.

The two-way interaction resumed with discussions on the challenges faced by the country concerning its relationships with Japan, North Korea and China. The diplomat also expressed his opinions on the challenges faced by the Korean Society, the declining population as well and the question of a future reunification with North Korea. Everyone in the session enjoyed the engagement and it was wrapped up by giving the physical copy of the CNEAS Newsletter on the Korean Peninsula by the centre’s Lead Coordinator.

Mr Chan-ho gave the special memorabilia gift bags, commentating on the 50 years of India-South Korean relations to all the members present in the embassy.

It was a memorable experience for everyone on that day and marked a new-found association between the centre and the embassy.

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Report drafted by: Shagun Thapliyal